Chapter 41: The Morning Star Princess and a Revealed Scheme

‘Could it be…’

Ramola recalled a widely circulated piece of news that had recently stirred both the Demon Realm and the Human Realm.

A human Hero had, against all odds, breached the Demonkind’s blockade, defeated the Eight Demon Generals, and single-handedly infiltrated the Demon Lord’s City, ultimately engaging the Demon Lord in a life-or-death struggle.

Initially, she had dismissed it as mere hearsay, a baseless rumor deliberately spread by some faction to escalate tensions between Demonkind and humanity.

Yet, after hearing Meredith’s concise account, she began to discern the truth of the matter.

“Surely, that young Demon Lord wasn’t defeated by a human only to fall in love with him, was she? Don’t tell me this tale, usually confined to fiction, actually unfolded for her.”

Ramola utterly refused to believe that a man named Qiaolun possessed such formidable capabilities.

Even against a newly ascended Demon Lord, no… he couldn’t possibly have triumphed over any of the Eight Demon Generals.

Even an ordinary high-ranking demon could effortlessly annihilate him.

“No, our Demon Lord had apparently been observing that human for some time.

While I was away from the Demon Lord’s City, she orchestrated a staged battle, if I’m not mistaken, solely to lure that man into her fortress.”

“Heh, how truly resourceful of her.

Far more astute than my sister, who only knows how to eat and burn, then burn and eat.”

“But enough pleasantries, Meredith.

What brings you and the Demon Lord here to me?”

Although Ramola and Meredith frequently exchanged correspondence, with teleportation magic ensuring instantaneous delivery, it had been an immeasurable span of time since they had last spoken face-to-face.

Ramola was certain this matter held significant importance.

Knowing Meredith, the High Priestess who always prioritized Demonkind’s welfare, any issue concerning their future would naturally compel her to personally intervene.

“The Demon Lord wishes to enter Aldelit and requires an identity from you,” Meredith stated.

“Oh? I have neither offspring nor relatives.

Are you suggesting the current Demon Lord could pose as my daughter?

While I wouldn’t object, how would that be explained to Demonkind?

Especially to the Eight Demon Generals, who have unconditionally served the Demon Lord, only to suddenly discover their sovereign is a descendant of Ramola—haha, Edesbond’s expression alone would surely be more contorted than when I prevented his ascension to Demon Lord.”

Ramola’s mischievous grin elicited no reaction from Meredith, who watched Ramola’s teasing with an impassive face.

The girl then pursed her lips in boredom.

“You’re still as dull as ever, Meredith.”

“‘Morning Star Princess,’ where is she?”

“How did you come to know that?”

Ramola’s tone immediately turned frigid; she had heard a name that felt like touching a dragon’s inverse scale.

“I know everything.”

Meredith offered no explanation, knowing well the implications of that name: the sole descendant of the Third Demon Lord, whose veins carried both human and demon blood.

Yet, the alarming truth was—

She had personally slain her own mother.

“I do not recommend your Demon Lord using that title.

While the Human Realm may not be fully aware of its significance, I fear I would be unable to resist killing her.”

“Are you not perpetually searching for the Madal Morning Star?

Perhaps the Demon Lord could assist; it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“I do not require your assistance.

Had I not promised my elder sister to properly govern this city-state, do you truly believe I would struggle to locate a single individual?”

Ramola’s daily workload was no less substantial than Yunajin’s.

It was important to remember that Madal City was a bustling hub not only for Demonkind and demi-humans but also for humans and elves.

Managing such a vast melting pot of races would undoubtedly leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.

“But…”

“Enough, Meredith.

You and the Demon Lord have a few days to reconsider.

My suggestion is to find an alternative that I can readily accept.”

Ramola turned and departed, leaving only her cold echoes to reverberate through the empty hall.

Meredith said nothing more.

After Ramola’s departure, she immediately reported the content of their conversation to Yunajin.

“Understood.

I have a general grasp of the situation.

I will continue to discuss this matter with the Duke here, so the affairs of the Demon Lord’s City will largely fall to you, Lord Meredith.”

Yunajin, whether intentionally or not, cast a glance at Qiaolun, who was sprawled by the window, idly observing the scenery outside.

Regardless of the wager or the purpose of their visit to Madal City, Yunajin, as the Demon Lord, knew she ought to remain here.

“I understand, Demon Lord.

Should anything arise, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Meredith produced a crystal ball, handed it to Yunajin, and then bowed before departing.

‘Hehe, now I’m free to do as I please…’

A sly smile crept onto Yunajin’s face.

She couldn’t let Meredith discover that her entire scheme was merely a pretext to see Qiaolun again.

Now that the person she feared was gone, who could possibly restrain her?

“What a bustling city!

Just like the Demon Lord’s City, it’s filled with towering buildings and teeming with traffic.

I truly wish I could explore it, but alas, I don’t have a single coin in my pocket.”

Qiaolun still regretted squandering the funds he had intended for adventurer registration.

He was fortunate to be so resilient and lucky; without the path the Demon Lord had orchestrated, he likely would have perished halfway before even reaching the Demon Lord’s City.

Lost in his regret, Qiaolun failed to notice a pair of small hands silently creeping up his waist.

“Who’s there?!”

An over-the-shoulder throw!

“Ouch!”

A pink-skinned succubus girl was seen being flipped over Qiaolun’s shoulder and landing on the ground.

“Yunajin?! You startled me!”

“Whimpering…”

Yunajin lay forlornly on the ground.

She hadn’t intended a surprise attack; she merely wished to check Qiaolun’s physique, to see if he had lost weight or anything similar.

‘Absolutely no interest in his physique, whatsoever!’

“My apologies.

I’ve spent too much time in the wilds; those demonic beasts won’t wait for you to react before devouring you.”

Qiaolun extended a hand, pulling Yunajin to her feet with an apologetic expression.

“By the way, why were you so close to me?

Even if you’re not human, you are still a woman, after all.”

“I know, I know!

Didn’t you grab my shoulder earlier?

You hurt me, you know!” Yunajin pouted, complaining indignantly.

“Huh? I…” Qiaolun was momentarily speechless.

Upon reflection, he realized she wasn’t entirely wrong.

He hadn’t meant to; his emotions had simply gotten the better of him.

‘Wait, I hurt you? Do I really possess such strength?!’

Qiaolun’s mouth gaped slightly in surprise.

He watched the girl, and in mere moments, Yunajin shyly averted her gaze.

‘Why are you blushing again?’ Qiaolun did not voice this thought, as their moment of silence had already stretched a little too long.

Thus, to dispel the awkwardness, Qiaolun took the initiative.

“Um… you two didn’t really come to Madal City just to find me, did you?” No sooner had the words left his lips than regret instantly welled up in his heart.

‘Wow, Qiaolun, how could you say something so foolish?’

He chastised himself, thinking.

“Mhm.” Yunajin nodded softly, pondering whether to reveal the full truth to Qiaolun.

“I need to go to Aldelit.”

“Oh, I see.”

Qiaolun smiled with relief.

The Demon Lord going to Aldelit most likely meant discussing state affairs with the old figures there, which had nothing to do with him.

“You scared me!

I thought you were going to borrow an identity here, then sneak into the United Kingdom to cause trouble.”

“Eh, how did you know that?”

“What?”

Their blank expressions and rigid bodies suggested they had been struck by a petrification spell.